I have been asked to take some graduation pictures, any advice?

[fletcher11]

Hi guys well i have just come back from cyprus as my brother got married there and i was the taking the pictures. one of there friends said he girlfriend was graduating in a few weeks and the need a photographer for the evening, they said they would like shots of couples and then group shots well there will be 50 graduates plus there partners. i have never taken big groups and woul like some advice and tips please.

i have canon 60d
lens, what would you use out of all of these?
10-22mm
28-135mm
18-55mm
50mm
55-250mm

i have a tripod and flash gun, i have been googling to get some tips. i think the group shot will be outside and it shouldnt be dark as i guess they would like the photos early to get on with there night. but if it rains it might be inside, so any advice of getting everyone in focs etc will be gret thanks.

 

[GHP]

I don't wish to sound harsh, but if you are asking what lens to use, and that you have never dealt with large groups before, are you sure you are the right person for the job?

As far as what lens to use, it does depend on whether you are outside or inside.
If outside with decent light, then for the larger groups a wide-ish lens with a smallish (f8-f11) aperture will ensure all are in focus from front to back. Try and get a bit higher, and look down on them will help.
For couples your 50mm is the one I'd use.
If inside, then it will be more difficult, especially lighting large groups with a single flash gun.
Good luck.

 

[fletcher11]

i was asking just to see what other people would use, i was thinking the 10-22 for the big shots and the 28-135 for smaller shots and 50mm for couples, i was just asking for advice. outdoor shots i know i will be fine with but i was thinking more of the indoor shots?

 

[GHP]

I think those choices are fine. Just be careful of distortion if close in on a large group ultra wide.

 

[fletcher11]

yes i know about the distortion, hopefully i will be able to get a little higher then them and shoot down at them. how would you go about taking indoor shots if you had the equitment i have?

 

[GHP]

To be honest just try and do it when the outside light is still bright and get them near to a window if you can. You might be able to bounce your flash of a wall or ceiling depends on the interior. Try for outside if you can though. Weather dependant obviously.